Light bullets in 280AI

[Cbhunter]

Is anyone using light bullets in their 280AI. I have a small frame 16 year old son that's fascinated with the cartridge, but he wants to run 140gn bullets on whitetail and antelope. I know next to nothing about the round, and have been reading up on it all day before we buy this rifle, but I'm not finding much about it with lighter bullets. Seems like it would be a nice flat shooting, low recoil round on paper. What's do your real world results look like?

 

[Brandon.in.parts]

I load 140gr in a 280AI and 145gr my 7SAUM which is a ballistic twin. I run all copper though. They both shoot great RL26 for the SAUM and IMR 4831 in the 280AI.

 

[Cbhunter]

I load 140gr in a 280AI and 145gr my 7SAUM which is a ballistic twin. I run all copper though. They both shoot great RL26 for the SAUM and IMR 4831 in the 280AI.

What barrel length and twist rate is your 280AI? Do you have accurate velocity data?

 

[birddog 68]

140's will work well for him. I load the now discontinued 139 Hornady interbond using IMR 4831 at around 3100 fps. It's worked well on mule deer, antelope and whitetail.
Depending on distances he will be shooting and how he handles the recoil you may want to look at the 120 ballistic tip for a little less recoil. I have no experience with this combo yet but it's in the works.

 

[Cbhunter]

The recoil is an issue in my mind, but not his at this point, but he hasn't shot anything larger than a 6.5 Creedmoor, but wants to step up in power on his own. We are going to shoot a friends 280AI this weekend. We'll see if he decides the 7-08 is more his speed.

 

[Brandon.in.parts]

What barrel length and twist rate is your 280AI? Do you have accurate velocity data?

24" barrel 1:9 twist. Velocity the same as birddog

 

[Cbhunter]

24" barrel 1:9 twist. Velocity the same as birddog

Thanks

 

[birddog 68]

There's definitely going to be a bump up in recoil compared to the 6.5 CM.
If not braked I would lean towards the 120's until he adjusted. Just my opinion.

 

[Cbhunter]

There's definitely going to be a bump up in recoil compared to the 6.5 CM.
If not braked I would lean towards the 120's until he adjusted. Just my opinion.

Most likely will be a Browning xbolt with a muzzle break. I don't want him to develop bad habits, but I do want to fuel the fire he has burning to get out to the range and woods. The boy is 6' 140#. I think he can handle this rifle, but time will tell.

 

[Dmagna]

Shoot 140 accubonds at 3200 fps with H4831sc, I don't know if that counts as a low recoil round.

 

[Mark37082]

I find the 140 class bullets to be a sweet spot for my 280ai. My daughter (est. 120lbs) has no problem with the recoil. I assume you reload. If you don't, finding off the shelf ammo may be a challenge.

 

[Cbhunter]

I find the 140 class bullets to be a sweet spot for my 280ai. My daughter (est. 120lbs) has no problem with the recoil. I assume you reload. If you don't, finding off the shelf ammo may be a challenge.

This is very encouraging.

The worst part is I already bought a 6.5 PRC thinking he'd shoot it, but he got a 6.5 Creedmoor when everyone was crazy over them, and a couple guides we talked to didn't want him to bring that, so he's kinda stung and afraid the 6.5 PRC will turn out the same way. I've tried to tell him it's not the same, but he's got the 280AI in his head and he might have gotten a bit of stubbornness honestly.

 

[LVJ76]

I'll suggest the 120gr Ballistic Tip as well, great deer bullet.

I believe with a Hodgdon powder you can do a reduced load, but not sure.

The 120gr bullet will reduce the recoil by itself, and with a muzzle brake I doubt it will be an issue.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

This is very encouraging.

The worst part is I already bought a 6.5 PRC thinking he'd shoot it, but he got a 6.5 Creedmoor when everyone was crazy over them, and a couple guides we talked to didn't want him to bring that, so he's kinda stung and afraid the 6.5 PRC will turn out the same way. I've tried to tell him it's not the same, but he's got the 280AI in his head and he might have gotten a bit of stubbornness honestly.

Never Sell, the 6.5 PRC "Short" as,. It's NEAR the .270 WSM for,. Killing Power.
Using, 140 grain, Elite Hunter, Berger's at, 3,100 FPS,. It'll Kill chit out to,.. 800-900+ Yards !
Like, Luis said, the 120 gr. NBT's work Great, in most 7 MM's,. But they, won't "Reach Out" quite like, the High BC, Berger 140's,.. "Do" !
I use, the 120 gr NBT's in My, 5 pound, 7 x 30 Waters, T/C Contender 21" Rifle,. LOW Recoil and very, Accurate !
PS; Guides, NEED to Stick to Guiding,. IF, they think that, the 6.5 PRC, is,.. a "Wimp" !